King James Version

What Does Judges 15:1 Mean?

Judges 15:1 in the King James Version says “But it came to pass within a while after, in the time of wheat harvest, that Samson visited his wife with a kid ; and he...” — study this verse from Judges chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“But it came to pass within a while after, in the time of wheat harvest, that Samson visited his wife with a kid ; and he said, I will go in to my wife into the chamber. But her father would not suffer him to go in.”

Judges 15:1 · KJV

Context

1

But it came to pass within a while after, in the time of wheat harvest, that Samson visited his wife with a kid ; and he said, I will go in to my wife into the chamber. But her father would not suffer him to go in.

2

And her father said, I verily thought that thou hadst utterly hated her; therefore I gave her to thy companion: is not her younger sister fairer than she? take her, I pray thee, instead of her. take: Heb. let her be thine

3

And Samson said concerning them, Now shall I be more blameless than the Philistines, though I do them a displeasure. more: or, blameless from the Philistines though, etc

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But it came to pass within a while after, in the time of wheat harvest, that Samson visited his wife with a kid; and he said, I will go in to my wife into the chamber. But her father would not suffer him to go in.

This verse belongs to the Samson cycle addressing Samson's exploits of vengeance. Samson represents both the heights of God-empowered strength and the depths of human weakness through moral compromise. His Nazirite vow (Numbers 6:1-21) set him apart as holy to God, yet his persistent violations of this vow—contact with dead animals (14:8-9), seven-day feast (likely involving wine, 14:10), and finally revealing his hair's secret (16:17)—demonstrate progressive spiritual decline.

Theologically, Samson illustrates how spiritual gifts don't guarantee spiritual maturity. The Spirit of the LORD came upon Samson repeatedly, giving superhuman strength, yet this empowerment didn't produce corresponding moral transformation. His attraction to Philistine women (14:1-3, 16:1, 16:4) directly violated God's command against intermarriage with Canaanites (Deuteronomy 7:3-4). This demonstrates that God can use flawed instruments for His purposes, but this never excuses or endorses sin.

Samson's final prayer—"O Lord God, remember me, I pray thee, and strengthen me" (16:28)—shows genuine repentance and renewed faith. His death accomplished more than his life (16:30), suggesting that even spectacular failure can be redeemed when we return to God. However, the tragedy is that Samson's potential was largely wasted through moral compromise. His story warns believers that consistent holy living, not merely spectacular spiritual experiences, characterizes faithful discipleship.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Historical Setting: The Book of Judges spans approximately 350-400 years (c. 1375-1050 BCE) during the Late Bronze Age collapse and early Iron Age. This period saw the disintegration of major empires (Hittites, Mycenaeans) and weakening of Egyptian control over Canaan, creating a power vacuum filled by emerging peoples including Philistines (Sea Peoples), Aramaeans, and regional kingdoms. The decentralized tribal structure left Israel vulnerable to external oppression and internal chaos.

Cultural Context: This passage relates to Samson's exploits of vengeance. Canaanite religion dominated the region, centered on Baal (storm/fertility god), Asherah (mother goddess), and Anat (war goddess). Archaeological discoveries at Ugarit (Ras Shamra) have provided extensive information about Canaanite mythology and religious practices. Baal worship involved ritual prostitution, child sacrifice, and fertility rites tied to agricultural seasons. Israel's persistent attraction to these gods demonstrates the strong cultural pressure to conform to surrounding nations' religious practices.

The material culture of this period shows gradual Israelite settlement in the Canaanite hill country, with simpler pottery and architecture than coastal Canaanite cities. Iron technology was beginning to spread, giving military advantage to peoples who mastered it (note the Philistines' iron monopoly, 1 Samuel 13:19-22). The absence of centralized government during the judges period stands in stark contrast to the bureaucratic city-states of Canaan and the imperial administration of Egypt and Mesopotamia. This political structure reflected Israel's theocratic ideal—God as king—yet the repeated cycles of apostasy showed this ideal required more than political structures; it demanded heart transformation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage about Samson's exploits of vengeance reveal God's character in dealing with persistent human rebellion and incomplete obedience?
  2. What patterns of spiritual compromise or incomplete obedience in your own life mirror Israel's failures during the judges period?
  3. How does understanding the cyclical nature of sin and deliverance in Judges help you appreciate Christ's perfect and final deliverance from sin's power?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וַיְהִ֨י1 of 20
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

בִּימֵ֣י2 of 20

“But it came to pass within a while after”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

בִּימֵ֣י3 of 20

“But it came to pass within a while after”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

קְצִיר4 of 20

“harvest”

H7105

severed, a limb (of a tree, or simply foliage)

חִטִּ֗ים5 of 20

“of wheat”

H2406

wheat, whether the grain or the plant

וַיִּפְקֹ֨ד6 of 20

“visited”

H6485

to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc

שִׁמְשׁ֤וֹן7 of 20

“that Samson”

H8123

shimshon, an israelite

אֶת8 of 20
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אִשְׁתִּ֖י9 of 20

“his wife”

H802

a woman

בִּגְדִ֣י10 of 20

“with a kid”

H1423

a young goat (from browsing)

עִזִּ֔ים11 of 20
H5795

a she-goat (as strong), but masculine in plural (which also is used elliptically for goat's hair)

וַיֹּ֕אמֶר12 of 20

“and he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לָבֽוֹא׃13 of 20

“I will go in”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶל14 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אִשְׁתִּ֖י15 of 20

“his wife”

H802

a woman

הֶחָ֑דְרָה16 of 20

“into the chamber”

H2315

an apartment (usually literal)

וְלֹֽא17 of 20
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

נְתָנ֥וֹ18 of 20

“would not suffer”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

אָבִ֖יהָ19 of 20

“But her father”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

לָבֽוֹא׃20 of 20

“I will go in”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Judges. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Judges 15:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Judges 15:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 38:17Genesis 29:21Luke 15:29Genesis 6:4

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